

I am trying to find an idiom that describes someone setting hurdles for
themself or putting themself in a more difficult position every step of the
way, eventually trapping oneself or forcing one's back against the wall. The
English phrase I have in mind is "paint oneself into a corner", as in:

> If you keep doing that, you are just going to paint yourself into a corner.

What would be an apt Japanese phrase for this? I've thought of 自縄自縛 and 墓穴を掘る.
I think 墓穴を掘る is probably closer to what I am reaching for, but are there
better ones out there?


CC BY-SA 4.0
2021-05-17T13:45:24.927
86669
2021-05-19T01:15:46.387
30454
question
set-phrases idioms proverbs
諺/熟語 for "paint oneself into a corner"


  * ドツボにはまる digging him/herself into the deeper hole.
  * 自らの首を締める cut your own throat.
  * 楽屋から火を出す (can’t find similar English phrase.literal translation should be “set fire to your dressing room”)
  * いたちごっこ A vicious cycle.

are the most common idioms in my humble opinion.


CC BY-SA 4.0
2021-05-17T15:36:44.493
86671
2021-05-17T15:36:44.493
34735
86669
answer


I think (自分で)自分の首を締める is the closest and safest. It does convey the meaning of
"setting hurdles for themself or putting themself in a more difficult
position". 自縄自縛 is also usable, but it's a relatively difficult 四字熟語 that is
used mainly in serious essays and literary works.

墓穴を掘る is not wrong but it doesn't necessarily have the above-mentioned nuance;
it's more commonly used to describe a one-time "backfiring" mistake.


CC BY-SA 4.0
2021-05-19T01:15:46.387
86695
2021-05-19T01:15:46.387
5010
86669
answer